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Ryan Dooley #2
Homicide Related
In this sequel to Dooley Takes the Fall , Norah McClintock's gritty mystery of a year ago, Ryan Dooley continues to struggle against circumstances that would defeat most teenagers, let alone kids who have been in serious trouble with the law Dooley (as he prefers to be known) was involved in a break and enter a few years ago, served his time, and is now living with his hard-nosed uncle, a former cop determined that the boy will find a way to lead a blameless and useful life from henceforth But there are threads that still link Dooley to his former life of aimless criminality, and one of them - with the affable Jeffie, a sometime drug dealer and one-time buddy - threatens to bring him down, especially when Jeffie turns up dead, while still owing money to Dooley Much worse, Dooley's estranged mother turns up dead as well They have been estranged for much of Dooley's life, and kept apart by the uncle who feels the son is better off away from the mother, but recently she has made efforts to clean up her act and get in touch with her son again This time it's Dooley's uncle who is suspected of having caused her death somehow, and this of course has major implications for Dooley's own life Looking around, the young man doesn't look to have many options in life, especially when the props holding up his existence start to get kicked away The best thing Dooley seems to have going for him is his girl friend, the luminous Beth, sister of a teen whose death was the focus of Dooley Takes the Fall Never confident about his social status, Dooley hopes against hope that Beth will stick by him, but fears the competition from Nevin, a rich friend of the girl, who drives a Jag and always seems to be around when Dooley wants to be with Beth Somehow, though, Dooley is able to work his way through the immense hazards in his life and emerge, not unscathed, but with his integrity intact Once again, award-winning author Norah McClintock weaves an intricately layered, page-turning mystery that will compel a wide range of readers and inspire a whole new legion of Ryan Dooley Mystery fans Information is withheld until just the right moment, and through it all Dooley's spirit and determination, in the face of difficult odds, will hold readers' attention to the very last, unexpected paragraph
- GenresMysteryYoung Adult
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Norah McClintock
92 books208 followersNorah McClintock’s fascinating mysteries are hard to put down. Her Chloe & Levesque series, Mike & Riel series, and Robyn Hunter series, all published by Scholastic Canada, have been popular with readers in many countries. Norah has also written several crime novels for reluctant readers in the Orca Soundings series from Orca Book Publishers,
Norah is a five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel. Read Mistaken Identity, The Body in the Basement, Sins of the Father, Scared to Death, and Break and Enter to find out why! Norah's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and she has won numerous awards.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award - Juvenile
o 1996 – Mistaken Identity – Winner
o 1998 – The Body in the Basement – Winner
o 1999 – Sins of the Father – Winner
o 2002 – Scared to Death – Winner
o 2003 – Break and Enter – Winner
Red Maple Award
o 2004 – Hit and Run – Winner
Norah is a five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada's Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel. Read Mistaken Identity, The Body in the Basement, Sins of the Father, Scared to Death, and Break and Enter to find out why! Norah's books have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and she has won numerous awards.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award - Juvenile
o 1996 – Mistaken Identity – Winner
o 1998 – The Body in the Basement – Winner
o 1999 – Sins of the Father – Winner
o 2002 – Scared to Death – Winner
o 2003 – Break and Enter – Winner
Red Maple Award
o 2004 – Hit and Run – Winner
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 15, 2009
My reward for making through my first pass of page proofs and wow, was it worth it! This one is hard to find at the moment--it's not available through Amazon.com at all, it is available through Amazon.ca, though it's showing 2-3 weeks to ship, but you can get it directly from the publisher, Red Deer Press (that's what I did)
This is the second novel about Dooley and I admit, I went into it with a little trepidation. The first one was so good, how could the second even come close? But I'd forgotten how *good* McClintock is, and how easily you get sucked into Dooley's world.
The mystery is far more layered in Homicide Related than in Dooley Takes The Fall, which I both enjoyed and admired, and we learn a lot more about Dooley and his family. And Dooley is still Dooley--so what's not to love?
If you can track this one down, it's worth it.
This is the second novel about Dooley and I admit, I went into it with a little trepidation. The first one was so good, how could the second even come close? But I'd forgotten how *good* McClintock is, and how easily you get sucked into Dooley's world.
The mystery is far more layered in Homicide Related than in Dooley Takes The Fall, which I both enjoyed and admired, and we learn a lot more about Dooley and his family. And Dooley is still Dooley--so what's not to love?
If you can track this one down, it's worth it.
September 25, 2022
woah. this book was also like really good.
the fact i read the first book for english, and now i’m out finishing the second, and really wanting the first book.
SPOILERS.
this book is definitely a book i could read in one sitting i just haven’t had the time. the plot twists and everything. i had a strong feeling the uncle didn’t do anything and i was right🤞🏻i truly love Dooley and Beth together, i would have never imagined them together honestly. it just proves to show, that they had a lot of times that could have ended them, but they pushed through it all and still stayed together. the fact Dooley figured it all out before the police like what. or at least somewhat did.
this book was wonderful, i’m really glad i got to read it in english, to show that i like these type of books. i would have NEVER picked up “Dooley Takes the Fall” if i saw it in stores.
the fact i read the first book for english, and now i’m out finishing the second, and really wanting the first book.
SPOILERS.
this book is definitely a book i could read in one sitting i just haven’t had the time. the plot twists and everything. i had a strong feeling the uncle didn’t do anything and i was right🤞🏻i truly love Dooley and Beth together, i would have never imagined them together honestly. it just proves to show, that they had a lot of times that could have ended them, but they pushed through it all and still stayed together. the fact Dooley figured it all out before the police like what. or at least somewhat did.
this book was wonderful, i’m really glad i got to read it in english, to show that i like these type of books. i would have NEVER picked up “Dooley Takes the Fall” if i saw it in stores.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2018
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, I enjoyed it a lot and the mystery aspect to it was very interesting to me. This story is about an ex-convict who lives with his ex-cop uncle, When Dooleys mother dies he sets out on a journey of who killed her. The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it isn't popular at all which has me stumped since it is such an interesting one.
April 21, 2010
Dooley can't seem to catch enough breaks, he hates school, hates his job, hates his uncle's short leash, but likes his girlfriend (who might be seeing another guy). He's been working hard to set his life straight, no longer involved with booze and drugs. That is, until an old friend from the old days shows up and asks for a loan. Then his mother appears after years of no contact, only to be murdered. If that's not enough though, Dooley's uncle seems to have secrets of his own. On a path to find the truth, Dooley has to face his own past with his mother, his old life, and his family.
Straight to the point: I loved this book. It was a great, thrilling, fast-paced, crime/mystery novel, which I feel the YA section seriously lacks these days. Dooley is an excellent character, and you can't help but root for him. He's been through a lot of crap, and he's finally getting his life straight with good intentions, but bad stuff just seems to happen around him.
The mystery element of the novel was written very well by McClintock (she's written a lot of other mystery novels, which are usually pretty decent), and I loved the foreshadowing. Small conversations reappear as significant clues, and even a casual comment has some underlying meaning for Dooley to figure out later in the novel. I liked reading about Dooley trying to piece together all these clues, even if the result isn't favorable. The novel unfolded like a crime drama, but ten times better and five times less predictable.
I also really liked the characters, starting from his uncle. An ex-cop turned dry-cleaner, he gave Dooley a chance and really helped him turn his life around. It was nice how McClintock would include Jeffie, proving that Dooley hasn't escaped his old life completely yet. I also enjoyed reading about Beth, and her own little mystery. Nevin... won't comment but just think of his name...
Most of all though, I loved Dooley. He's a strong character that struggles to do the right thing, forced to 'suck it up' and let people around him treat him like a criminal. The way he was a flawed character, it made him a lot more realistic. I get so caught up that I want to go into the book and smack the cops, who are total ninnys (that's a word!) and pick on Dooley. More than once, too. I also enjoyed the relationship (or lack thereof) with his mother, and with Beth. Seriously, Dooley and Beth are pretty adorable. The romance in the novel isn't huge-huge, but there's enough that I'm not 'yearning' for more. I fell really creepy writing stuff like that...
I felt the ending was a bit short, or maybe I just wanted the book to go on longer. The strings were mostly tied up, so there's no cliffie (which is a relief or I will be way too antsy anticipating the next book). Oh, and I wanted to mention I can't WAIT to read the last book in this trilogy. Oh Dooley, look what you've done to me :)
4.8/5 - because I loved this. Most enjoyable parts were the mystery (I read too few these days) and the characters. It was fast-paced, and I liked the little clues and foreshadowing McClintock included. I'm seriously considering making a Dooley fan club...he is honestly probably one of my favorite guys in YA lit. The bad-boy-turned-good is a verrr nice angle. Homicide Related is a guy-friendly novel, and I would recommend this to people who want to read a YA mystery/crime novel.
Straight to the point: I loved this book. It was a great, thrilling, fast-paced, crime/mystery novel, which I feel the YA section seriously lacks these days. Dooley is an excellent character, and you can't help but root for him. He's been through a lot of crap, and he's finally getting his life straight with good intentions, but bad stuff just seems to happen around him.
The mystery element of the novel was written very well by McClintock (she's written a lot of other mystery novels, which are usually pretty decent), and I loved the foreshadowing. Small conversations reappear as significant clues, and even a casual comment has some underlying meaning for Dooley to figure out later in the novel. I liked reading about Dooley trying to piece together all these clues, even if the result isn't favorable. The novel unfolded like a crime drama, but ten times better and five times less predictable.
I also really liked the characters, starting from his uncle. An ex-cop turned dry-cleaner, he gave Dooley a chance and really helped him turn his life around. It was nice how McClintock would include Jeffie, proving that Dooley hasn't escaped his old life completely yet. I also enjoyed reading about Beth, and her own little mystery. Nevin... won't comment but just think of his name...
Most of all though, I loved Dooley. He's a strong character that struggles to do the right thing, forced to 'suck it up' and let people around him treat him like a criminal. The way he was a flawed character, it made him a lot more realistic. I get so caught up that I want to go into the book and smack the cops, who are total ninnys (that's a word!) and pick on Dooley. More than once, too. I also enjoyed the relationship (or lack thereof) with his mother, and with Beth. Seriously, Dooley and Beth are pretty adorable. The romance in the novel isn't huge-huge, but there's enough that I'm not 'yearning' for more. I fell really creepy writing stuff like that...
I felt the ending was a bit short, or maybe I just wanted the book to go on longer. The strings were mostly tied up, so there's no cliffie (which is a relief or I will be way too antsy anticipating the next book). Oh, and I wanted to mention I can't WAIT to read the last book in this trilogy. Oh Dooley, look what you've done to me :)
4.8/5 - because I loved this. Most enjoyable parts were the mystery (I read too few these days) and the characters. It was fast-paced, and I liked the little clues and foreshadowing McClintock included. I'm seriously considering making a Dooley fan club...he is honestly probably one of my favorite guys in YA lit. The bad-boy-turned-good is a verrr nice angle. Homicide Related is a guy-friendly novel, and I would recommend this to people who want to read a YA mystery/crime novel.
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February 7, 2012Reviewed by Lisa Doucet
Although his life is hardly the stuff of fairytales, Ryan Dooley seems to have things relatively under control. Going to school, holding down a part-time job at a local video store and respecting the rules imposed by his guardian/uncle (a former cop), Ryan seems to be turning his life around. For extra incentive, there’s his girlfriend Beth who is the absolute best thing that’s ever happened to him. Then the mother he hasn’t seen in years turns up dead. Murdered in fact. Suddenly this death opens up a whole host of uncomfortable questions, for Dooley, his uncle and the police. When one of Dooley’s drug-dealing friends from the past also turns up dead, Dooley finds himself squarely in the midst of a whole lot of trouble… and surprises.
Once again, Norah McClintock, a master-crafter of mysteries, gives readers a fast-paced plot that offers up tantalizing clues to the identity of the killer while also providing interesting insights into the story’s main characters. In this second installment, Dooley has firmly established himself as a likeable underdog whom readers will continue to root for. As more of his childhood and family history comes to light, his story of triumphing over adversity becomes as important as the resolution of the mystery. McClintock has created another winning mystery series that works equally well as a contemporary teen drama, and it should enjoy a wide readership.
Canadian Children's Book News (Spring 2010, Vol. 33, No. 2)
Although his life is hardly the stuff of fairytales, Ryan Dooley seems to have things relatively under control. Going to school, holding down a part-time job at a local video store and respecting the rules imposed by his guardian/uncle (a former cop), Ryan seems to be turning his life around. For extra incentive, there’s his girlfriend Beth who is the absolute best thing that’s ever happened to him. Then the mother he hasn’t seen in years turns up dead. Murdered in fact. Suddenly this death opens up a whole host of uncomfortable questions, for Dooley, his uncle and the police. When one of Dooley’s drug-dealing friends from the past also turns up dead, Dooley finds himself squarely in the midst of a whole lot of trouble… and surprises.
Once again, Norah McClintock, a master-crafter of mysteries, gives readers a fast-paced plot that offers up tantalizing clues to the identity of the killer while also providing interesting insights into the story’s main characters. In this second installment, Dooley has firmly established himself as a likeable underdog whom readers will continue to root for. As more of his childhood and family history comes to light, his story of triumphing over adversity becomes as important as the resolution of the mystery. McClintock has created another winning mystery series that works equally well as a contemporary teen drama, and it should enjoy a wide readership.
Canadian Children's Book News (Spring 2010, Vol. 33, No. 2)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2015
Homicide Related
Ryan Dooley is a kid who’s life is going haywire. Dooley’s mother and his friend were both murdered by the same person. “My life is out of control,” Dooley thinks to himself, “Someone killed my friend, and now my mother is gone too.” Dooley clearly states that his mom and friend have been killed. While his mom is now gone, he has to stay with his Uncle, who was a cop is now acting strange. “He didn’t even look at Dooley”, his uncle is so focused on everything that he doesn’t notice Dooley, “He stood in the front hall for a few moments”. Everything that is going on is so impactful on Dooley and his uncle, and to make matters worse, his uncle eventually is talked to by the police about Dooley’s mothers death. Ryan is going through hard times, and everything seems to be adding to his difficulty.
Ryan Dooley is a kid who’s life is going haywire. Dooley’s mother and his friend were both murdered by the same person. “My life is out of control,” Dooley thinks to himself, “Someone killed my friend, and now my mother is gone too.” Dooley clearly states that his mom and friend have been killed. While his mom is now gone, he has to stay with his Uncle, who was a cop is now acting strange. “He didn’t even look at Dooley”, his uncle is so focused on everything that he doesn’t notice Dooley, “He stood in the front hall for a few moments”. Everything that is going on is so impactful on Dooley and his uncle, and to make matters worse, his uncle eventually is talked to by the police about Dooley’s mothers death. Ryan is going through hard times, and everything seems to be adding to his difficulty.
August 17, 2010
This was a real page-turner! I like to think that I'm a jaded reader that can predict most plot twists, but I am not actually practiced at reading the mystery/detective genre. So it was a pleasant surprise to have the author lead me down a garden path, only to put up detour signs! I have a few of my teen guys in mind for this title. I just wish I could convince some others that reading over 150 pages doesn't have to be a death sentence!
May 20, 2010
I love this book it is great if you would like to read about someone with problems. Norah McClintock is a great author and i love her books. this is the second book of "Dooley Takes the Fall." They are both great books and i love the end to this book. I am not going to spoil it for you, you will just have to find out for yourself.
March 9, 2010
I thought this writer took too long to get to the gist of the mystery....
July 3, 2010
It was really really good. I loved it. However, it was confusing in some places that makes you want to read it the same page/line twice to get it.
February 25, 2011
i loved this book
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March 28, 2011Very Good
February 17, 2012
Another awesome book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews